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Gov. Walker's victory solidifies the state's political regime in a way that erodes the clout of the institutional left, especially organized labor. This will be an important ingredient- but not the only, or most important factor- in Wisconsin's presidential contest this fall.

The decisive defeat of the union-based coalition leaves President Obama with a bruised and dispirited local political team, but without the political baggage of having campaigned personally for the losing Barrett cause. This setback is real, but other developments (e.g. the economy) are likely to overshadow it by this fall.

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